Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has voiced his frustration over the delay in scheduling a tribunal hearing for his case. In a statement released last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, announced that Mr. Pryde had been notified of the hearing date. Initially set to run from next Monday to August 30, the hearing has now been postponed.
In a recent update, Mr. Pryde stated that he was informed of the change, noting, “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated.” He expressed disappointment that the tribunal of three judges tasked with reviewing the allegations against him has yet to provide necessary information for him to comprehend the charges related to his superannuation.
Mr. Pryde was suspended from his role as DPP in April, a decision he attributes to being seen conversing with the former Attorney General at an official event. Over a year later, further accusations were made regarding alleged overpayment of superannuation, which he has denied.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and the tribunal is yet to set a hearing date, and that my salary continues to be suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister stated it should be paid,” he remarked, highlighting that the situation is approaching its 17th month with no resolution and that the JSC has refused to address the issue of his salary suspension.
The news outlet has contacted the JSC and is awaiting a reply.